Aiming and Redirecting Vents for Greater Comfort

Trenton AC & Heating Service

It might not be your HVAC system’s fault if you feel too chilled
in winter and too warm in summer. Sometimes the simplest answer to a problem
is the correct one. Here is how redirecting vents could be your answer
for improving comfort and saving money.

Redirecting Vents Improves Efficiency

Using air conditioning as an example, whenever a vent’s airflow is
obstructed, you will reap fewer benefits in terms of comfort. For example,
if it is blocked by a piece of furniture, some of the air’s coolness
will diminish because it will be hitting against a warmer surface.

If the vent directs cool air in front of a warm appliance or a warm window,
there will be even greater heat transference, and this again means less
cool air gets to where you need it to be. This reduces efficiency.

You will feel warmer and be more likely to adjust the thermostat to get
some relief. In addition, since heat transference makes the actual indoor
temperature rise, your A/C will try to make up the difference. In other
words, some of the energy your air conditioner expended to cool the air
will be wasted due to poorly aimed vents.

What to Do

If furniture, appliances or other large items are in front of them, you
can move the items or you can redirect the vent. Some vent covers have
a switch or lever built in that you can use to redirect the airflow.

If your existing vent covers don’t provide a suitable way to aim
airflow, such as an adjustable damper, you do have other options. One
of the simplest is to purchase air deflectors. These are typically made
of curved plastic and attach to the vent cover. With these, you can direct
airflow upwards, downwards or to the sides. The latter is often helpful
when you want to direct air around furniture or other large items.

You can also find vent deflectors with extenders. These are helpful when
vents are located beneath beds or sofas, for example.

For more information about air vents or to schedule a service for your
heating and cooling system, please
contact the Trenton HVAC professionals at Elite Air.